Sam Ode, the deputy governor of Benue State today, received a delegation from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), in Government House, Makurdi.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Sam Ode highlighted the state government’s recent efforts to strengthen its humanitarian and development frameworks.
The Deputy Governor outlined several key policy initiatives launched under Governor Alia’s leadership, including the Benue State Durable Solutions Action Plan, which aims to facilitate the transition of displaced populations to self-reliance through livelihood support and housing reconstruction.
He also mentioned the IDP Policy, the Persons with Disability Law, and “social protection strategies designed to safeguard vulnerable households and foster resilience.”
Ode disclosed that the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management has been restructured to better coordinate humanitarian efforts, working closely with international partners such as IOM, UN agencies, and civil society organisations.
Read also: Benue launches ₦1.27bn humanitarian fund for displaced persons
Looking forward, he identified areas where increased collaboration with ECHO and the European Union could enhance Benue’s recovery and resilience initiatives – such as supporting the full implementation of the Durable Solutions Action Plan, particularly in housing and livelihoods, strengthening humanitarian coordination mechanisms, expanding community stabilisation programmes, and investing in local governance capacity.
He further emphasised that Benue’s evolution from crisis to coordinated action reflects the state’s commitment to building a better future for all its citizens.
In his remarks, Giuseppe Angelini, leader of the delegation, praised the ongoing efforts by the Benue State government to find lasting solutions to humanitarian challenges in the region. He assured that ECHO and the European Union are committed to fully supporting the implementation of the Benue State Durable Solutions Action Plan, the IDP Policy, and other initiatives.
This visit marks a significant step toward strengthening Benue’s partnerships with international humanitarian actors, with a shared vision of fostering lasting peace, stability, and development in Nigeria’s Food Basket of the Nation.
